Ruben Selles' Hull City roared to a 3-0 win at Sheffield United on Friday night to claim a statement victory in their bid to avoid relegation to League One.

City stormed into an early lead when Matt Crooks powered in from the edge of the box after the visitors broke away from a third Blades corner in quick succession, the irony, I'm sure, won't be lost on Tigers fans.

Amid huge pressure at the start of the second half, City turned the game on its head by scoring a second through Matty Jacob's clever finish, and it was 3-0 in the final stages when Joao Pedro forced Harrison Burrows into an error, turning into his own net to put the seal on a sensational away win.

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Here's how Tigers reporter Barry Cooper rated the players at Bramall Lane on Friday night against the Blades...

Ivor Pandur: Back in the side after a three-game absence and had to turn an early Brereton-Diaz shot away before turning a corner over his bar. Actually had very little to do in the game, but a much-needed clean sheet. 8/10

Sean McLoughlin: Headed off the line after half an hour and that set the tone for a faultless display from the Irishman which started at left-back before he moved back to the middle. 9/10

Fin Burns Started well and marshalled Brereton-Diaz well when he got in down the left. Did give away a cheap pass before half-time which they escaped with. 7/10

Alfie Jones: Good opening half with a couple of really important moments defensively keeping the Blades at bay with timely headers and the same in the second half. Captain's display. 9/10

Cody Drameh: Dealt really well with Sam McCallum in the first half, and that continued in the second. Lovely ball in for Jacob to double the lead. Dealt with danger so well all night. 9/10

Steven Alzate: Did what he needed to do nicely early on, controlled on the ball. When he was needed, he took the sting out of it and got the ball on the deck, won his tackles. 8/10

Regan Slater: Against his former club, plenty of energy as per, but had to be more disciplined than perhaps we've seen recently. Had a shot saved second half, but a real effort from Regan. 7/10

Matt Crooks: The ex-Boro man made his full debut in Black and Amber and made quite the early impression, banging in the opener after seven minutes. Ran himself into the ground before coming off early in the second half. 7/10

Joe Gelhardt: A 101st career appearance for the loan striker. Constantly keen to try and get forward and make something happen. Worked so, so hard in pressing and doing a job for his team. 7/10

Abu Kamara: It was a timely return for the winger and had a hand in the opening goal, before seeing a shot blocked. A tireless display on the far side, just needs more belief in his own ability. 7/10

Kyle Joseph: Made his Tigers debut in for Joao Pedro. Ran the line well as we thought he would, always keen to get involved. Not a night where he saw much of the ball, but a solid effort in pressing from the front. 7/10

Subs:

Eliot Matazo (for Crooks 54): Really tenacious after coming on, willing to get stuck in on his Tigers debut, having only been announced at 6pm, two hours before kick-off. 7/10

Matty Jacob (for Burns 54): Instant impact, scoring City's second goal in front of the away fans and it was a huge one at that. Booked for a challenge on Souza late on. 8/10

Joao Pedro (for Joseph 64): Got straight into it, making himself a nuisance as we've come to expect and then still had time to fashion the third goal. 8/10

Mason Burstow (for Gelhardt 74): Gave City big energy when they needed it in the second half. Really important shift from him. 7/10

Gustavo Puerta (for Slater 74): Showed some composure when it was needed and his energy was important. 7/10

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